Staff at The Kings Theatre make video for the Give Pounds to Spend a Penny campaign

THERE'S a riot going on '“ in the women's toilets at the Kings Theatre.

But not to worry, it’s the latest hilarious video created by the venue’s staff to drum up support for their campaign to modernise and improve the Edwardian theatre.

One of the recurring complaints from theatre-goers – particularly women – has been about the cramped toilets.

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In the video, staff recreate a stampede to get to the toilets as fast as possible when a show breaks for its interval, and the fight that ensues.

The fundraising campaign, dubbed Give Pounds To Spend A Penny, has been the first time the trust which runs the theatre has ventured into the world of online crowdfunding. It is looking to raise £15,000 to give the dress circle’s toilets a total overhaul.

A previous video showed the theatre’s celebrity patrons, including Lisa Riley and Hugh Dennis, give their backing.

Kings marketing manager Kelly Haswell said: ‘We’re really pleased with how it’s gone for our first attempt. It has been a bit of an unknown for us.

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‘We’ve had support from the University of Portsmouth. Phd student Jann Westermann has been with us, and he’s very experienced in crowdfunding, and we’ve been lucky to have his advice and knowledge.

‘This has been a difficult subject to sell too – it’s not very glamorous and it doesn’t tug on people’s emotions.

‘We wanted to try to make it funny and make it interesting.’

In this last week of the campaign, the money has been pouring in.

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Digital marketing officer Aaron Mackay said: ‘I think people who may have put off donating have suddenly realised it’s the last week.’

This has been the first stage of a multi-million scheme – The Big Project– which will bring the theatre into the 21st century and make it fit for decades to come.

‘I think the message about the campaign is getting out there,’ added Kelly.

‘But now we need those people to dig deep for us and put their hands in their pockets.’

To support the fundraising go to crowdfunder.co.uk/give-pounds-to-spend-a-pennyThe appeal closes on Sunday.